LOCAL HALLOWEEN PARTY FUNDRAISER EVENT RAISES $21K FOR THE CHILDREN OF
ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL IN BAYSIDE
By: Danielle Marciano
On October 29 th , 2024, Recovery Awareness Project (R.A.P.) and Elite Amenities hosted their 10 th
annual fundraiser event for St. Mary’s Kids, raising $21K for the children’s hospital, with donations from many local businesses and corporations, as well as from local individuals.
In 2010, founder of R.A.P., Queens native Mike Marciano, in collaboration with friends Joe Pugs, Sam
Oryson, and Karen Melito wanted to organize a party-like event where people can have a fun time without the presence or consumption of alcohol. “While the original intention was to promote sobriety for people in recovery, we wanted the event to be open to everyone and encourage people that you can have a good time without the use of alcohol”, states Mike. And from there, R.A.P. was born.
Marciano, who has had prior experience with fundraising for a local Boys & Girls club in the past, decided to attach their next event to a charity for children. “I wanted to give back to the community, and what better way than to help children, especially children with special needs, many so severe, they have to reside at St. Mary’s, separated from their families because they are in need of 24 hour care.”
“We’re talking even infants”, adds Danielle, Mike’s daughter. “Some of the sponsors got to see these
specialty wheelchair-bound children, which is hard enough to witness, but seeing an infant … there are no words. Makes you really appreciate and be grateful for what you have.”
“Our first event, while a success, I was thinking how can we make it even better next year?” states Mike. So he decided to make it a Halloween Party and make it kid-friendly. And that’s where Marciano’s young entrepreneur friends, Mike Zuchelli and Andrew Metiz of Elite Amenities provided face-painting, a magician, giveaways, and a photobooth to entertain the kids.
“Andrew and I are incredibly proud to support St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital through this special
event. The leadership of Mike Marciano and the generosity of our sponsors is truly inspiring, and we are honored to play a part in it’s increasing success each year”, says Elite Amenities’ Mike Zuchelli.
Word of mouth has lead to the Halloween Party’s growth each year, both in participants and in donations, causing the event to “outgrow” St. Margaret’s gymnasium (where the party was held every year). In search of a larger venue, a good friend of Marciano’s, Alicia Vaichunas from Bob Holden’s office (both whom have always been huge supporters of the event), generously donated the use of her venue, Clinton Hall Palace in Maspeth to host this year’s Halloween Party, which also included free valet parking.
Many other local and corporate sponsors contributed as well, including food and beverages donated by Rosa’s Pizza and Villa Erasmo, Barosa’s, Davino’s, Phillies, Infinity Coffee, and Preferred Beverages. And very generous donations made by Peter Migliorini of Steve Madden, Mona and Steve Kaplan, and Al Gentile of both Cross County Bank and Kiwanis Club.
“It‘s a team effort”, says Mike. We have so many people who continue to step up to the plate every
year”. Mike emphasizes the impact his good friends in recovery make to ensure each event be as successful as can be. “ Thank you to John and Walter Sanchez of the Queens Ledger for bringing awareness to the cause, and a special thank you to Mike and Andrew from Elite Amenities who always go above and beyond for these children. Because of their huge hearts and generosity, and just for who they are, they have become a part of my family.”
“It’s really a fun time for all ages,” says Danielle. “Who doesn’t love a Halloween Party? Combine that
with a DJ, great food, and meeting new people who come together for a great cause, I’d it’s money well spent”, (regarding the $25 donation).
To keep informed and updated on R.A.P. Elite Amenities next Halloween Party on 10/25 at Clinton Hall Palace and /or if you are a business who is interested in becoming a sponsor, follow R.A.P. on Instagram or email: rapeventsny@gmail.com
